Beauregard Parish Fair just around the corner

For now, the Beauregard Fairgrounds are empty, but in just over a month, it will be bustling with familiar sounds, smells, and, of course, people.

By Chris Schoonovercschoonover@leesvilledailyleader.com

Oct. 3 is the first day of the 89th Annual Beauregard Parish Fair, and Fair Manager Kay Allen expects another successful five days on the fairgrounds.

The entertainment this year includes comedy, music and different acts, along with other family activities for all ages.

"We are family-oriented fair," Allen said. "We try to have things for everybody; from the smallest to the oldest. If you come out here on Thursday, this place will be flooded with 1,200 senior citizens because we have senior citizen day on Thursday. We try to take care of the young and the old."

The carnival, which is run by Goldstar Amusements, is a staple of the fair and something Allen is very proud of.

"It's very clean and runs a tight ship," Allen said. "It's not your normal thing when people think carnival.

"[Goldstar owner Mike Featherston] has small rides and a wonderful variety. He's got the wildest ride they want to get on. My grandkids love it when he gets here with those enormous, scary things that I wouldn't get on,” she said.

The fair will feature 10 food vendors, including BBQ, homemade ice cream sandwiches and small pies.

Having run the fair since 1998, Allen and her team of fair board members has it down to a "T" but getting the vendors together is the hardest part.

"I mailed out 85 letters to the vendors and getting them to respond is probably the hardest part," Allen said. "If you had a booth last year, then you get it again the next year until you tell me you don't it anymore."

The fair aims to have a balance of the agricultural and carnival aspect.

"From the kids showing animals to the people running around the carnival, we try to keep it balanced," Allen said. "We have livestock shows and on Monday, people bring their things in for judging. Things like quilting, crocheting, baked goods and garden items. We take it all in on the second and the judging is on the third. To me, we try to have something for everybody."

The first day of the fair, October 3, is highlighted with parade at 5 p.m., and October 4 will have Brent Reed, Heavyweight of Clean Comedy, at 6:30 p.m. followed by gospel singing in the pavilion. On Oct. 5, senior citizens get into the fair for free from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a band, still to be announced, ending the night at 8 p.m.

Oct. 6 will have Sonny the Birdman with shows throughout the day and a Cute Critter Contest at 7 p.m. The night ends with music by Dani LaCour. The final night, Oct. 7, begins with the Livestock Show at 8 a.m. with music in the pavilion from 10 a.m. until close.

For more information about the fair and scheduled events, visit Beauregard Parish Fair on Facebook.